How to identify a flathead?

51dueller · #1 (**permalink**) 10-02-2002, 01:26 PM

I was wondering how to identify a flathead motor.

Thanks

Nathan

mtflat · #2 (**permalink**) 10-02-2002, 04:30 PM

Uh, could you be a little more specific Nathan?

4, 6, or one of the many variations of V8's 221/239/255/337 or Lincoln's V12? These were all produced during 1932-54. There were 3 main variations of the 221 alone.

There were earlier V8's by other mfgrs but not one-piece blocks and they were much heavier. That's what set Henry's apart from the rest.

Generally all have no valve covers - they are valve in block engines and the spark plugs stick out the top of the heads.

51dueller · #3 (**permalink**) 10-03-2002, 01:06 PM

[updated:LAST EDITED ON 03-Oct-02 AT 02:07 PM (EST)]It's a flathead V-8. I was wondering if you could tell me where to look to get numbers and I'll post them.

Nathan

mtflat · #4 (**permalink**) 10-03-2002, 06:50 PM

Numbers on Ford flatheads is a very inexact science. Most numbers you'll find are only local foundry casting numbers, and so far no one has catalogged them.

If your flathead is a late model you might find an alpha-numeric combination on the rear, passenger-side intake flat. See the accompanying link.

[http://flatheaddrag.com/birthday.html]

Otherwise, you'll only be able to pin it down to a specific range of years. Collect numbers off the heads, watching for things such as a string that contains the numbers 6049/50 (Ford's right/left head pn) with a prefix like 18, 48, 99T 59, 8BA, EAB, etc.

Also, general things: How many fasteners (studs/bolts) on each head? 17, 21 or 24?
Where are the waterpumps? On the front of the block or on the heads?
When you get this info gathered, let me know and I'll go into more specific details.

51dueller · #5 (**permalink**) 10-04-2002, 01:24 PM

It has EAB heads, distributor in the front. Is this a car engine? because it is in my parts truck.

Thanks

Nathan

mtflat · #6 (**permalink**) 10-04-2002, 05:53 PM

You narrowed it down a bit - EAB heads were used on '52, '53 truck engines. Trouble is, all 24 stud/bolt heads interchange from 1939 - 53 (54 Canada) with a few mods.

Is your distributor mounted on the end of the cam shaft at the front of the block ('32 until '47 trucks) or on a post angled toward the passenger side like modern engines?

Any luck with the assembly date as per the website? They are often stamped faintly, but if an engine was rebuilt and the block was shaved the numbers will be missing.

51dueller · #7 (**permalink**) 10-04-2002, 07:39 PM

The distibiter it angled toward the passenger side. I didn't check the numbers because I haven't gotten around to it yet.

Nathan

gary534 · #8 (**permalink**) 10-05-2002, 12:06 PM